My name is Oritsetsonaye Donna Bennet, but most people simply call me Donna. I’m a visual artist with a deep passion for bringing imaginative visions to life. I come from Nigeria, with Ghanaian heritage on my paternal side, and it seems like I’ve been holding a paintbrush since the day I was born – at least according to my parents’ fond memories.
I come from a family deeply connected to Nigerian creative history, my parents had close ties to Fela Anikulapo Kuti. My mother, Grace Oduro, was involved in designing some album covers for Fela’s albums with one of her designs, ‘Open and Close,’ even showcased last year 2023 at the Design Museum in London. My father, Babatunde Alex Oduro, is a television and film director. He directed ‘The Black President,’ a film shot in the
1970s featuring Fela Aníkúlápó Kútì, which depicted the life of the legendary Afrobeat icon. Also, around that time My father did a couple of plays at the ‘Round House’ Chalk Farm, London. His theatre group were called ‘Placenta Arts.’
I earned my undergraduate degree in fine and graphic arts from Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) in Lagos, Nigeria, where I honed my skills as a fine artist, illustrator, and graphic designer. Currently, I’m pursuing a master’s degree at the University for the Creative Arts in Epsom, UK, continuing my exploration of art from conception to realization.
My art has found a home at the POP Gallery in Lagos, a familial creative space dedicated to making art accessible to all. I’ve also been fortunate enough to receive international recognition at the ‘All Woman Art Exhibition’ hosted by the United States-based ‘Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery.’
Though I appreciate all forms of art, both digital and traditional, my heart truly belongs to painting. I draw inspiration from abstract and expressionist styles, influenced by revered artists like Bruce Onobrakpeya and Paul Gauguin. With every brushstroke, I aim to convey deep emotions through my work.
Currently, I’m diving into the world of media art and technology. My focus is on mastering the translation of digital concepts into tangible forms across various mediums, utilizing a range of technologies throughout the creative process.
Exhibitions
• DEC 10TH – 11TH 2022: Artmosfair ( art & NFT Exhibition) Group Exhibition . Location: Cera Cerni’s Art Hub lekki Lagos
• LAOKWE LAKES (GROUP ART EXHIBITION) September 30- October 3 2022 LOCATION: Laokwe lakes
Golf and Country Estate
• 2016/2017: JP clark University of Lagos
• 2017- Love in the park- Group Art exhibition at JJT Park Ikeja
• 2018 – The Experience 1– Group Art exhibition @Ado Bayero Mall Kano
• 2019 – The Experience 2 – Group Art exhibition @Ado Bayero Mall Kano
• 2019- Alit Festival – Group Art exhibition – Art Pavilion Abuja.
• 2020- Affordable Art Fair- Group Exhibition (opening of Dabo Art Gallery Kano) Nassarawa LG, Kano
